The National Cultural Gastronomy Council in Mexico celebrated two world records recently, thanks to the participation of thousands local culinary professionals at the Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City.
The first record to fall was the largest gathering of chefs, in which 3,634 donned a fully assembled professional chef's uniform to break the record of 2,847, which had stood for nearly 18 months after being set in Dubai in early 2013.
The vast majority of participants were indeed professional chefs gathered to take part in history. However, some of those in attendance were friends and relatives, including the 1-year-old son of two professional chefs, kitted out in full miniature chef regalia.
Seeing as how the council attempted this record but fell short last year, being able to return in triump a year later proved cause for celebration. The historic moment was captured with the full group gathered beneath the iconic Angel of Independence monument.
Just as a chef prepares a meal for a waiter to serve it, the successful attempt was then followed with the record success of the largest waiter race. Required to be dressed in black pants and vest, with bowtie and white shirt, all waiters/waitresses need to complete a circuit at least 100 m long while carrying an open beverage bottle atop a tray.
The race spanned 800 m and saw a record 337 participants complete it, the fastest time coming in at 2 min 57 sec.
The double success resulted in a well-earned weekend of celebration for the council, which was inspired by its failed attempt the previous year to come back stronger than ever in 2014. It also continued a tradition of culinary record success across the country, which the council sees as its main aim.
Other records recently set in the domain include the largest enchilada, most varieties of tequila on display, and largest cup of hot chocolate.
With the chefs and waiters of Mexico City having helped them to success, the National Council can now assert that not only are they promoting the culinary tradition of Mexico, but doing so in record-breaking fashion.
The preparations for the event saw the Guinness World Records involvement attract seven corporate sponsors for the council's larger "Festival de Chef." In addition to the highlighted world record attempts, the weekend also featured a public gourment tasting from food providers across the country, a culinary exposition, and a national achievement award presented to famous chef Susanna Palazuelos.
Is there a cause you'd like to promote like Mexico's Gastronomy Council did with its food services? Make sure to contact the Guinness World Records events management team with your organization's details.
